Driver in fatal crash arrested the day before in drug probe

Poway

A San Diego driver who collided with a fire engine last week, resulting in the death of his passenger, a 19-year-old aspiring model, had been jailed the day before in a drug investigation, authorities said.

Robbie Gillespie, 44, of San Diego, was arrested on June 18 with two women and a man in a Poway hotel, and drugs were seized, sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Duckworth said Tuesday.

Duckworth said a criminal apprehension team of Poway deputies was conducting a drug investigation that took them to the hotel about 10 a.m. He declined to say what kind of drugs were confiscated.

Gillespie was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was booked about 3:30 p.m., and later posted a bond and was released from jail.

Also arrested on various drug charges were Arielle Kanta, 20, Ashley Cohen, 18, and Anthony Cruz, 36. Cruz was jailed on additional charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a stun gun, Duckworth said.

All four suspects got out of jail on bond or bail.

An arraignment date was set for Tuesday, but the hearing was canceled by the District Attorney’s Office pending additional investigation of the case.

After getting out of jail, Gillespie was driving Evelyn Courtney about 4 a.m. on June 19 when he collided with a fire engine at Poway Road and Midland Road in Poway. Courtney died in the crash and Gillespie was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

Duckworth said the fire crew was headed to a medical-aid call with the engine’s overhead lights flashing as they went through the intersection on a green light.

The engine broadsided Gillespie’s Honda on the passenger side.

An open alcohol bottle was found in the car, Duckworth said.

Detectives are still investigating the crash and whether Gillespie had been drinking.

Courtney, who attended Poway and Mount Carmel high schools, had done some modeling and planned to go to college, acquaintances said.